Name: Meadowlink Rail Trail
Rating: 3.5

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Former Railway

Why visit the Meadowlink Rail Trail?

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The City of Hume has transformed this former railway line into a 4ha open space and called it Meadowlink Linear Park
Visitors can read about the former Broadmeadows Military Camp, set up in 1914, which this line served
The establishment of the trail has sparked a wave of development along both sides of the railway corridor, including a training base for state rugby

Nearby Attractions

Jack Roper Reserve is a great spot to take the kids, with picnic shelters and play equipment
A number of other shared paths are within easy reach if you use the Merlynston Creek Trail
Broadmeadows Valley Park
Seabrook Reserve has extensive play equipment, picnic areas, a half court, exercise stations and toilets

Trail Guide

Last updated: 3 April 2024

The trail runs between Railway Cres (near its intersection with King William St) and the Merlynston Creek. From that often-dry waterway, the Merlynston Creek Trail leads to the Will Will Rook Pioneer Cemetery on Camp Rd and, further south, through Jack Roper Reserve to the popular shared path beside the Western Ring Rd. The council has installed a concrete shared-user path, 400 shade trees, 500 plants, seating and, to improve public safety, solar lighting. The state government contributed over $2 million. More recently, play equipment, exercise stations and toilets were installed in Seabrook Reserve.

For public transport options go to ‘GET AROUND’ below and click on ‘SHOW MORE’ if necessary

Photo Gallery

The start of the trail has the 'shadow' of the rail line in the landscaping [2023]

Developers are taking advantage of the rail trail in the 'backyard' [2023]

A pedestrian refuge makes crossing Blair St a little safer [2023]

Solar lighting comes on early on overcast days [2023]

Views of ever-growing Melbourne city along the railway corridor [2022]

New play equipment and picnic tables in Seabrook Reserve [2023]

Rail bridge crossed the creek here. Path to Roper Reserve on right [2023]

Get Around

Public Transport

As mentioned in the Section Guide, this short trail is near Broadmeadows Railway Station, which is on Metro’s Craigieburn line and has frequent services. There’s a shared path from the station to the start of the rail trail. There are no bicycle restrictions on these trains but Metro prefers bikes at the back or the middle, where there is more room. PTV bicycle guidelines here.

Refer to the PTV web page for map and timetables, or the navigation program of your choice.

Do you know of a bike hire or transportation service on this rail trail that should appear here? If so, let us know at admin@railtrails.org.au.

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Reviews

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3 reviews of “Meadowlink Rail Trail”

The path is super kid friendly, including the Blair St crossing if supervised with playgrounds fore, aft and midships. Info boards at either end and a look out over the creek. A wide concrete path leads to other cycle paths. An easy walk from the eastern carpark end there and back. There is a huge playground / BBQ / Fitness station being built at this end.

The track sections that are dotted appear to be offcuts rather than original and there is no original rail infrastructure other than possibly a small section at the creek.

If you are in the area it's worthwhile a visit.

Blair St now has a safety island where the trail crosses it and I was surprised to see cars stopping for me despite the lack of zebra stripes.

The Meadowlink Rail Trail, along the old Broadstore Line, is a good way of riding around the suburbs just south of the Metropolitan Ring Road. It is connected to the M80 Trail via the Merlynston Creek Trail through Jack Roper Reserve. Further developments would be a tremendous benefit as well, such as a cycling overpass of the Craigieburn and North East Railway Lines at Broadmeadows Station, a safer crossing of Blair St and a connection across Merlynston Creek past Maygar Barracks through to the Upfield Line.

Further Information

Information and Links

For more information on this trail, contact Hume City Council at enquiries@hume.vic.gov.au or telephone 9205 2200

Contact Rail Trails Australia

To contact us about this rail trail, email vic@railtrails.org.au

Background Information

Traditional Owners

We acknowledge the Woiworung people, the traditional custodians of the land and waterways on which this rail trail was built.

Railway history

This was a World War 2 siding called the “Broadstore Line” that ran for 1.6km from the main north/south line at Broadmeadows (a northern suburb of Melbourne) in an easterly direction to provide services to the Maygar Army Barracks in Cambellfield from 1942. These barracks played an important part in housing troops and army support from WW1. The line closed in 1982, with the tracks being lifted in 1991.

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